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A case study on feeding fish in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

- by Md. Mokhlesur Rahman1, Md. Shahidul Islam2 and

Muhammad Tanvir Hossain Chowdhury3

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Dhaka City contains over 10 millions peoples. The city is being expanding and the population is also increasing both horizontally and vertically. Demand of fish in the last 10 years has increased as a result of population and income increases of 45% and 35% respectively. Income elasticity projections show that for every 1% increase in income, fish consumption will increase by 0.75%. In spite of this, annual per capita consumption of fish is reported to drop by 0.5 kg since 1985. The reason for the decline is rising prices and insufficient supply of fish. Prices have over the past 15 years increased at a real rate (excluding inflation) of 2.8% per cent per annum and are driving down consumption by the rate of approximately 1.17% for every 1% increase in price. 1.2 Minimum demand of fish per day in the Dhaka City is about 250-300 tons. Over 200 freshwater species dominate the fish markets while marine fishes have limited demand. Fish supplies to the city mainly come from catch in the rivers-estuaries and floodland of Dhaka district, neighboring districts, imports and peri-urban aquaculture. A sizable quantity of major carps is imported from India and Myanmar while pungasius suchi from Thailand. Seasonal availability of fish species affects the fish supply and consumption pattern. Mid-July to Mid-October anadromous (Hilsa) species dominates the fish markets. Comparatively better fish price in Dhaka City attracts the fish suppliers all over the country. 2.0 Aquaculture activities in Dhaka City and adjacent areas 2.1 Status of aquaculture 2.1.1 Aquaculture activities in urban areas in Bangladesh have not been developed to commercial level because of higher population densities and scarcity of enough land areas. This is particularly true for Dhaka City, rather, the citys aquaculture activities are limited largely in marketing and distribution of fish. Among the water bodies inside the city, some government owned large ponds and lakes are important culturable water areas. Yet, these water bodies are partially being used for fish culture. However, commercial aquaculture has been developed to a considerable extent in peri-urban areas around the city. 2.1.2 Encompassing the city, large areas of low-lying lands take the form of vast floodplains during the monsoon. Hundreds of hectares of these floodplains are fed by three big rivers namely, Buriganga, Shitalakhsa and Turag. These large areas of open water bodies are not utilized for aquaculture activities. However, in recent days, some forms of aquaculture activities have been developed in the floodplains

1 M&E Consultant, Fourth Fisheries Project, , Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh 2 Research Associate, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University 3 Extension Officer, Fourth Fisheries Project, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh

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around the city, particularly near Madartek and Manda at the east and Kamrangir Char at the west. Pen and cage cultures are the two main forms of aquaculture. 2.3 Aquaculture activities: Species cultured with culture system 2.3.1 The culture systems mainly involve polyculture of carps. Like other areas of Bangladesh, this form of aquaculture has been developed on a commercial scale around the city. Among the carp species, Indian major carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirhinus mrigala, Labeo calbasu) and Chinese carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio) along with some minor carps like Thai sarpunti (Puntius gonionotus) are the main species. In recent days, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has been gaining popularity as cash crop to most of the farmers.

Table 1. List of fish species used for aquaculture in Dhaka City and adjacent areas

Scientific name Local name English name

Labeo rohita Rui Catla catla Catla Cirhinus mrigala Mrigal Labeo calbasu Calibous

India major carp

Hypopthalmychthis molitrix Silver carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Grass carp Cyprinus carpio Common carp

Chinese carp

Puntius gonionotus Thai sarputi Thai silver barb Pangusius suchi Thai pangus Thai pangus Oreochromis niloticus Tilapia Nile tilapia

2.3.2 Polyculture of carps is practiced with varying species combinations and densities in different areas. Intensification and use of inputs in fish farms depend on a number of factors including the availability of seeds, feeds, fertilizer etc. Culture period usually starts in May-June and continues until November-December. Recently farmers are increasingly interested in monoculture of catfishes such as Thai pangus (Pangusius suchi) and some others, which are of high demand in fish market. Based on the improved management methods, higher growth rates with supplementary feeds, wide popularity and higher market price, monoculture of pangus around Dhaka City has been a blooming fish farming industry. 2.3.3 Stocking density in fish farms varies with species cultured and the degree of intensification. However, it is a common trend in almost all the farmers to maintain higher stocking densities. In carp polyculture, on an average, the stocking density ranges between 15,000-17,000-ha fingerlings. The stocking density appears as a critical factor when tilapia is used in polyculture with carps because they rapidly grow in number due to their prolific breeding behavior. When tilapia is used, farmers usually use the technique of continuous harvesting method to maintain a manageable stocking density but, very often, it appears difficult to achieve. 2.3.4 Monoculture of catfish has been very popular aquaculture activity in and around Dhaka City. Because of higher rate of profit, catfish culture has been developed to an industrial scale. At the early 90s,

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monoculture of catfish was mainly based on African magur (Clarias gariepinus)4. Tremendous growth of this fish with poultry offal, slaughterhouse and household wastes attracted the producers to such extent that large numbers of farms were developed. However, people did not accept the fish from aesthetic viewpoint and, at the same time, the fish was not found suitable for sustainable aquaculture because of a number of biological implications. With the introduction of Thai pangus at the late 90s and successful hatchery production of seeds, it appeared as the perfect species for monoculture of catfish and it replaced African magur to a great extent. Very attractive aesthetic appearance, lucrative taste, higher growth rate, high market demand, all helped the fish gaining a wide popularity among consumers as well as producers. Within a very short time, Thai pangus farming became a valuable aquaculture industry. Development of artificial feed industries can be considered as a very important event in the process of this revolution. At present, pangus farms in stocking density varies between 15,000-20,000-ha fingerlings and production range 12-15 ton/ha/yr. 2.4 Origin of seeds 2.4.1 Seeds for aquaculture are collected from two major sources (a) natural source and (b) hatchery production. However, the natural source is limited to carp fishes, mainly Indian major carps and minor carps. Bangladesh was once very rich in natural seed production. For many reasons, the natural seed production has been declined to such extent that aquaculture has been dependent almost completely of hatcheries for seeds. Moreover, catfish farms are completely hatchery dependent for seeds from the beginning. Now, artificial fish seeds are surplus to the requirements for its aquaculture. Although fish seeds are collected from distant areas in Dhaka City, in recent days, considerable number of hatcheries have been developed around the city itself.

Table 1.1 Case study on carp polyculture in periurban areas Location Demra, Dhaka Species cultured Indian major carps and Chinese carps Water source Rain fed Number of ponds and area 1 and 0.1hactare. Culture system Improved extensive. Liming 500-750 kg/ha for pH range 6.5 to 7.5 Fertilization Cowdung 2000 kg/ha/yr, Urea 300 kg/ha/yr and T.S.P. 200

kg/ha/yr. After initial dose fertilizer apply weekly. Feed used and feeding system

Locally available ingredients such as rice bran and mustard oil cake are used at 1:1 ratio. Feeding rate varies from 3-5% of the body weight. Feeds are supplied as balls in feeding tray.

FCR 2-2.5 : 1 Pond preparation Drying, liming. Stocking density 10,000 fingerlings/ha. Post-stocking management Post-stocking management includes frequent netting for health

observation, liming for probable disease control, fertilization etc. Culture period 8-9 months Production 4-4.5 tons/ha/yr.

4 Since 1998, government has band the species for its carnivorous feed behavior.

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Table 1.2 Economic of carp polyculture in periurban areas in Demra, Dhaka

Items

Cost in US $ (0.1 ha)

US$ per ha

Pond preparation cost 16 202 Seed cost 31 382 Pond management cost including feed, fertilizer and labor 91 1,143 Harvest and marketing cost 11 139 Total cost 149 1,865 Total income 313 3,909 Net income 163 2,044 Recovery 110%

Note: Farmers own labor cost was ignored, FCR was 2.5:1, US$1=Tk.55

Table 1.3: Social Profile of the Fish Farmers, Demra, Dhaka Number of Fishers Involved 7 Family Size 5-7 per family family members also assist in some extent Education level Primary to High

School fisheries income using for children education

Major occupation Business Secondary occupation Fish farming manual labor also contribute Income from fish per year $300-$500 approximately, as they did not keep clear

records Number of worker used 7 Occasionally, farmers substitutes their labor by

providing wage-labor Household consumption Mainly weed fish

from the pond Sometimes takes big fish during cultural and religious festival

Aquaculture training Once only They did not receive formal training Social linkage Good Established social network among traders and

consumers which assisting to interchange views

Table 2.1 Case Study on sewage based polyculture of carps with tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Location Adamji Jute Mills, Narayangonj District, Dhaka Division Species cultured Tilapia, Rui, Catla, Mrigal, Silver carp, Grass carp, Carpio, and Thai

Sarpunti Source of seeds Hatchery Stocking density The exact stocking density of tilapia is not known because they are

continuously growing in number by frequent breeding. Carps are stocked at the rate of 15,000-17,500 fingerlings/ha/yr.

Number of ponds and area A total of 8 ponds with average area of 0.8 ha. Water source The water disposal systems of the jute mills (boiler cooling water) are

open to the ponds and serve as the main source of pond water. Municipal sewage water from residents of the mills and rainwater are the secondary source.

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Feed used and feeding system

Huge quantity of raw and untreated human excreta is supplied every day. Farmers have set substantial number of open public toilet on the pond and more than one thousand people use them daily. Occasionally, rice bran and mustard oilcake are also supplied as supplementary feeds.

Culture system Improved extensive Liming 1,000-1,200 kg/ha/yr. Fertilization Urea and cowdung are supplied depending on water transparency. Harvesting Partial harvesting is done at fortnightly intervals for tilapia and three

months intervals for carps. Fish are harvested by seine net. Production Tilapia: 5-6 tons/ha/yr. and carps 2-2.5 tons/ha/yr. Culture period Round the year

Table 2.2: Economic sewage-based polyculture in Adamji Jute Mills, Narayangonj District

Items

Cost in US $ (0.8 ha)

US$ per ha

Pond preparation cost 400 500Seed cost 276 345Pond management cost including feed, fertilizer and labor 840 1,050Harvest and marketing cost 240 300Total cost 1756 2,195Total income 5032.8 6,291Net income 3276.8 4096Recovery 287%

Note: Farmers own labor cost was ignored, US$1=Tk.55

Table 3.3: Social Profile of the Fish Farmers in Adamji Jute Mills, Narayangonj District Number of Fishers Involved 5 Formed a cooperative farming system Family Size 5-7 per family Education level Primary to High

School fisheries income using for children education

Major occupation Business mainly female members involved feeding Secondary occupation Fish farming manual labor also contribute Income from fish per year $250-$350 approximately, as they did not keep clear

records of the income sources Number of worker used 1 Wage labor Household consumption Mainly small fish Aquaculture training Once only They did not receive formal training Social linkage Good They establish social network though

establishing the cooperative fish farms

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Table 3.1. Case Study on monoculture of Thai pangus (Pangusius suchi)

Location of the farm Narayangonj District, Dhaka Division Species cultured Thai pangus (Pangusius suchi) Source of seeds Hatchery Number of ponds and area 3 ponds of 0.5 ha. Stocking density 15,000-20,000 fingerlings/ha/yr. Water depth Water depth of 1 meter is always maintained. Water source Rain and pump water. Water is exchanged when needed. Feed used and feeding system

Formulated pangus grower feed collected from the SABINCO Feed Industry is the main feed. Ground and cooked rice with mustard oilcake is used to reduce the total feed cost. Feed is supplied daily in feeding tray.

Culture system Semi-intensive Liming 250-500 kg/ha/yr. Fertilization Urea, TSP and cowdung are supplied at the rate of 250-300, 150-200, and

1,500-2,000 kg/ha/yr. Respectively. Harvesting Partial harvesting is done depending on the growth of fish and market

demand. The size range of fish during harvesting is 700-1000g. Production 12-15 tons/ha/yr. Culture period 9 months

Table 3.2: Economics of Thai Pangus monoculture in Narayangonj District

Items Cost in US $ (0.5 ha) US$ per ha Pond preparation cost 188 375Seed cost 910 1820Pond management cost including feed, fertilizer and labor 1125 2250Harvest and marketing cost 163 325Total cost 2010 4,020Total income 10250 20,500Net income 7865 15730Recovery 430%

Note: Farmers own labor cost was ignored, US$1=Tk.55

Table 3.3: Social Profile of the Thai Pangus Farmers, in Narayangonj District Number of Fishers Involved 3 Forming a cooperative farming system Family Size 5-7 per family Education level High School to university fisheries income using for children education Major occupation Business Secondary occupation Fish farming manual labor also contribute Income from fish per year $500-$700 approximately, as they did not keep clear

records of the income sources Number of worker used 2 Wage labor Household consumption Little amount by angling Choice of species for family consumption

does not allow them to eat only cultured pangus

Aquaculture training Once only no formal training received Social linkage Good a social network has been established though

cooperative fish farming

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2.5 Input supply 2.5.1 The inputs used in fish farms are dependent on the species cultured and the culture systems. However, some of the input supplies are common in all the systems. Fertilizers and supplementary feeds are supplied in all the farms where semi-intensive culture technology is used. Fertilizers are inorganic such are urea, TSP and organic such as cowdung. For feeds, locally available ingredients are generally used in carp ponds but the pangus farms are entirely dependent on industrial supplementary feeds. Animal offals, slaughterhouse wastes and household wastes are also used in catfish farms. If properly integrated, poultry industries can be a potential base for developing catfish farm, mainly Thai pangus. Seeds of both carps and catfish are collected from hatcheries. 2.6 Technical problems 2.6.1 Based on meetings with hatchery owners and nursery operators the major problems facing hatchery and nursery operators are as follows:

Non-availability of quality Broodstock that is not inbred nor hybridized with other species. Timely availability of fish fry is a great problem. Fish growing season starts March-April, but this

time fish fry is not available and the price is too much higher. The peak fish fry production is July-September. So farmers loose worm fish growing period for at least 3-4 months.

Difficulties in obtaining various supplies including inducing hormones (HCG, PG, LRHA, etc), Fisheries pesticides (Dipterex), various other chemicals.

A lack of up-to-date information on fish culture technique. On the other hand, fish farmers literacy level also very low. So they cannot contain the fishery training properly.

The ponds are not constructed for fish culture purpose. So the most of the ponds are irregular shaped and scientific fishery management can not done properly.

Inbreeding is a great problem for fish farmers. They always complain that their fish growth rate is lower due to inbreeding problem.

Feed quality is a problem. Protein requirements are 30-35% or more of the diet with 10% of that being made up of fishmeal. Feeds now manufactured in Bangladesh do not meet these criteria. The major impacts of poor quality feed will be on growth, food conversion ratios and the general economics of culture systems.

2.7 Institutional arrangements 2.7.1 Several public institutions are playing key role in fisheries production and distribution sub-sectors. Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL) of the Government of Bangladesh has overall responsibility for management and development of national Fisheries Sector. Key fisheries institutions and their mandate are shown in Table 4.

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Table 4: Key fisheries institutions and their mandate

Sl.# Title of institution Mandate 1. Department of Fisheries (DoF),

Bangladesh Extension of fisheries technology in inland water, conservation of marine resources, quality control and fisheries resources management

2. Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute(BFRI), Mymensingh

Developing appropriate technology for sustainable aquaculture and management of fisheries resources and enhancement of fish production in the country

3. Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Dhaka

Development and management of marine fisheries as well as Kaptai Lake, marketing of fish, fishing in high seas by its own trawlers and establishing a fish landing harbor at Chittagong which has since been done.

4. Marine Fisheries Academy at Chittagong

Imparts education and training in navigation, marine engineering, trawler operation, and fish processing and gear technology

3.0 Marketing and distribution 3.1 Fish traders generally control the fish markets and the marketing of fish, either individually or as groups, or Fish Traders Associations or Fishers Cooperative Societies. Almost all fish markets operated by them are ill managed, unhygienic and unscientific. There is no proper handling, washing, cleaning, icing or re-icing of the fish. They care very little for post-harvest management of fishes, being more interested in earning more revenue. Most fish markets managed by fish traders in cities and urban areas. 3.2 Almost 95% of fishes are selling fresh while a few numbers of species sells live. Anadromous species and marine fishes are also sells as dry fish. Labeo ruhita (Ruhu) fish is the most popular and one of the expensive species in the city (average $1.5/kg). Fishes are sold to the consumers fixing the price by piece considering its size and estimated weight instead of using weighing and fixed price per kilogram. Due to lack of packaging and storage facilities, fish price is comparatively lower at the producer level. 3.3 City markets built by the City Corporation offer better facilities, but are not managed according to any standards. City fish markets are usually a part of the general market. There is no special or modern fish landing centres run by the City Corporation or by the private sectors. 3.4 The fish market and marketing system in Dhaka City is varied and complex. In terms of volume, value and employment, the fish market in Dhaka is great. The market annually handles over 100 thousands metric tons of fresh fish (250-300 metric tons daily) which worth US$100 million. Dhaka is also a very big market of dried fish. Everyday 3-5 tons of dried fish is sold in Karwan Bazar and Shampur dried fish markets. Due to involvement of intermediaries, a large number of people also get employment. However, inspite of increasing trend in fish culture (production), the availability of fish for Dhaka dwellers is far below the amount required. It is reported that per capita consumption of fish of people of Dhaka city is 8.75 kg/yr. Which is far below the Asian average of 25kg/yr (Rahman 1997). The reason is mainly attributed to the growing population. In Dhaka City, per capita fish consumption is about 25g daily. The demand is expected to increase fast due to further increase in population. It is likely that the

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gap between the supply and demand will also increase in near future. Such a situation would make the marketing of fish and fisheries products in Dhaka City market easier. 3.5 Marketing systems of fish trade 3.5.1 Four levels of markets or marketing systems are observed in the distribution channel of fish trade (Figure 1). These are the primary secondary, higher secondary and final consuming markets.

Fig. 1: Fish marketing channel

Primary Market Collection center/ rural

market within the fishing area operated by collectors

Collected through brokers (Dalals) by mahajans/mahajans-cum-aratdars Carried by headloads/boat to primary market

Carried by small traders called mahajan

Secondary Market First landing and distribution

center near upazila (sub-district) headquarters or vital

communication points Operated by commission agents called

aratdars

Carried by first distributors called beparies

Higher Secondary Market Second landing & distribution center

in cities/towns. Operated by commission agents called aratdars

Purchased by second distributors called paikars

Final Consuming Market Retail marketing. Paikars sell to retailers

Retailers sell to consumers

Suburban retailing

Urban retailing

Rural retailing

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3.5.2 In the course of marketing at all these levels, the collector or distributor carries out the function of handling, cleaning, sorting, icing, preservation and transportation at his cost as far as possible. Expenses on such accounts are deducted from the bills of sellers. 3.5.3 There are a total of over 150 fish markets in Dhaka City. These fish markets are of two major types wholesale market and retail market. 3.6 Wholesale market 3.6.1 There are around 20 wholesale markets and the rests are retail markets. The wholesale markets of fresh fish are situated at Swari Ghat, Karwan Bazar, New Market, Jatra Bari, Kaptan Bazar, Komlapur, Mugda, Sham Bazar, Merul Badda, Mirpur 1 and 11, Nondi Para etc. 3.6.2 The major wholesale markets are developed considering mainly the system of communication. The Jatrabari wholesale market is based mainly on road communication from the east and the southeast areas to Dhaka. The Jatrabari market is famous for catfishes. In this large wholesale market, 9 markets are situated side by side. Because supply of fish is huge and the communication system is better, for which the market is expanding day by day. Fish are usually brought to the market by truck.

An overview of the wholesale market

3.6.2 Swarighat wholesale market is situated at the south edge of Dhaka City on the bank of the River Buriganga, near the Sadarghat. The market is famous for hilsa and other marine fishes. The market is equally important for indigenous openwater fishes from the southern areas of the country. The main modes of transportation are launches, trawlers and mechanized boats. This market was once the largest fish market of Dhaka City but with serious decline in openwater fish catch and development of road-based communication systems the market has lost its importance to a considerable extent. 3.6.3 Kawran Bazar wholesale market is situated at heart of the city and developed depending on the Railway system. Fish comes from many areas of the country. The major supply comes from the north and northeast areas. 3.6.4 The New Market wholesale market is comparatively newly developed. However, within short period it has got a wide expansion and is fairly well in infrastructure development. The market is famous

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for imported fishes. The lion portion of the imported fish is landed in the market and then is distributed among other wholesale markets. Fish are imported from India, Thailand and Myanmar. 3.6.5 In all the wholesale markets, fish lots start landing from midnight and selling and distribution starts from 04:00 a.m. At about 10:00 a.m. almost all of the wholesale markets become empty. 3.7 Retail market 3.7.1 The retail markets are completely dependent on the wholesale markets for fish supply. The retailers buy fish from the wholesalers at the early morning or late night. They sell the fish directly to the consumers. Beginning at the morning, the retail markets are open up to midnight. Besides the large retail markets, there are also a good number of small and temporary retailers who sell fish by the sides of roads and railways. There capital investment for fish trading varies largely. The minimum capital investment is US$20-1100 while their monthly net income around $30-300. The shop are operating on rotational basis by at least three persons of which capital is >$200. Several thousands peoples employed and supporting their families livelihood by the earning from fish trading.

An overview of Retail market

3.7.2 Besides the general retailers, the BFDC of the government also operates a modern fish distribution and retail center in Dhaka City. The corporation operates half dozen of modern outlets and 50 mobile shops in the form of rickshaw vans, which sell fish at the important points of the city. A few modern retail fish shops have also been established in the city and operated by private entrepreneurs. 3.8 Mobile fish traders 3.8.1 Besides the wholesalers and retailers at the fish markets, considerable numbers of mobile fish traders in Dhaka City take fish from door to door. The mobile traders also buy fish from the wholesalers. They can be found for round the day but the peak selling period is morning. They sell fish moving from

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door to door and shouting to attract attention of the consumers. Several thousands youths are involved in the small fish trading profession. Their capital is US$10-25 and monthly net income is around US$20-30.

Mobile youth fish traders

3.9 Price fixation in fish market 3.9.1 There is no price policy fixed by the government, fisheries cooperatives or by the trade associations. The price is fixed by supply and demand interaction. In general, fish prices have been increasing faster in proportion to other commodities. Price of fish varies with the species and size of fish, season of the year and freshness of fish. In Dhaka City fish market, fish prices have relatively higher than the rural area and small town. The prices of fish in villages, small towns and nearer to landing centers are at least 20-25% lower than the prices in Dhaka City. The primary producers hardly get 40-50% of the retail market price for their products. 3.9.2 In the wholesale market, the main purchasers are retailers. They bought fish by auction. Fishermen and baperies (local fish collector) generally try to sell fish to retailer in the wholesale market. But most of the fish farmer and baperies, who have accepted dadan (advanced loan without security), surrender their fish to the dadanders, who are mostly the owner of the wholesale fish market shops and are called Aratder. Dadanders/aratders arrange the sale and keep a portion of the sale as a partial payment of the loan and hand over the balance to the fishermen and baperies. 3.9.3 In the wholesale market, the fish price is usually are set through auction by an aratder. The price is settled by competition among intending bidders. The highest bidders take prompt delivery of the fish commodity in exchange of cash payment. Sometimes retailer pays partially to avail the opportunity of credit subject to approval by the aratder. It depends mainly upon the personal and business relation between retailers and aratders. Aratders usually charge about 5% of the sale price and also keeps a small quantity of fish as commission. 3.9.4 Most of the auctioning in Bangladesh is carried out by auctioneers locally called aratdars. They follow the price incremental system. As soon as the fishers land the fish in the market, the aratdar takes care of landing, handling, sorting and auctioning by species and size-groups. Even though the open-bidding system is the most prevalent one, there are other types of price-fixation systems followed by some traders associations in some selected markets. In general, the sales systems are as follows:

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3.9.5 Auctioneers call out the bid by the bidders loudly in the presence of the buyers. The incremental system is followed. It is the most competitive form of auctioning and ensures better prices for fishers. It takes place at all levels of fish marketing, excepting retailing. The auctioneer gets a 3-5% commission on sales value plus his actual expenses. 3.9.6 In the retail market, fish price is usually set through bargain by a retailer and consumer. In the retail market, fish price depends on quality or grade of fish, availability, species, size and season. Consumers assess the grade of fish considering mainly the freshness of fish as a critical factor. The freshness is examined by eye observation, roughly looking at the reddish colour of gills, sinking of eyes, general appearance of fish by pressing fingers in different parts of the fish body, and sometimes by smelling. Being aware of the desires of consumers, retailers often put artificial red colour on gills or the body of fish and persuade consumers to buy inferior quality of fish by giving a false appearance of freshness to fishes. 3.9.7 Direct fish marketing: BFDC operates direct fish marketing in a limited. It sells its share of freshwater fish from its Kaptai Lake and Dhaka City waterbodies (D.N.D. and Gulshan Lakes) projects traders in Dhaka. It also buys fish from Government aquaculture projects in Jessore district. Recently, t has begun to procure fish from private sector aquaculture farms and fish traders and market in Dhaka city. 3.10 Seasonality in fish market 3.10.1 There is strong seasonal affect in fish supply to the Dhaka City. During winter season, most of the floodplain becomes dry. The fishers and owner of the floodplain catches all the fish from floodplain and sells to the local middlemen of which major portion come to Dhaka city. The fish price comparatively lower in the season. During monsoon, hilsa dominates the fish market and summer mainly depends on aquaculture products and dry fish. Dry fish import has been active during summer. 3.11 Dry fish market 3.11.1 The only wholesale market for dried fish is located at Kawran Bazar. The market is considerably larger but very poor in infrastructure development. The main modes of fish transportation are train and truck. The major part of the dried fish comes from the south and southeast regions of the country. Fishes

Farmers drying fishes

from these areas are mostly marine. In dry season, large quantities of marine fish are dried in Baishdia, Kutubdia, Sonadia of Greater Chittagong district and less valuable dried fish comes from Dubla island of

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Khulna district. Chaktai of Chittagong is the main transit point where dried fish from all corners of Chittagong and Khulna are aggregates. Then they are distributed to different places.

3.11.2 Freshwater dry fishes are supplied from areas dominated by haors and beels such as Sylhet, Greater Mymensingh, and Greater Rajshahi areas. The most lucrative items in the dried fish markets are salted dried hilsa and shidal shutki (specially fermented small sized silver barb). Slated dried hilsa comes

An overview of dryfish retailers

from Greater Barisal and Chittagong District and shidal shutki from Greater Comilla District, Greater Mymensingh and Gazipur District, and Greater Faridpur District. Good quality dried shrimps come from Greater Khulna District. A total of 4-5 tons of dried fish are sold everyday in the market. There exists seasonality in availability of dried fish; prices also fluctuate accordingly. Peak production period of dried fish is from December to February and the lowest production is from June to September. Name of the important dried fish and shrimp species available in the dried fish market of Dhaka City and their price list are given in Table 5. 3.11.3 Another important portion of the dried fish available in the market is obtained through import from India through Koshba and Benapol border and Mayanmar through Teknaf border. With the rapid decline of availability of fish in the openwaters of Bangladesh, the proportion of imported fish in the markets is increasing day by day. Fish traders reported that more than 50% of the dry fish in the market is imported.

Table 5: Major fish and shrimp species available in the dried fish market of Dhaka City and their price

Local name/Common name Scientific name US$ per kg Baim Mastacembelus spp. 2.18 Chanda Chanda spp. 0.91 Chewa Trypauchen vagina 0.36 Freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium spp 3.64 Foli Chanda Pompus argentus 5.00 Gazar Channa marulius 2.73 Hilsa (Salted) Anadromous spp 2.25 Coral Lates calcarifer 4.25

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Gulsa Mystus vittatus 2.18 Kechki (dried only) Corica soborna 1.36 Ribbon fish Trichiurus lepturus 2.23 Kechki (salted dried) Corica soborna 1.82 Loita Harpodon nehereus 1.45 Phasa Setipinna phasa 1.27 Rupchanda (dried only) Pampus Chinensis 4.55 Rupchanda (salted dried) Pampus Chinensis 2.73 Shidal shutki (fermented barb) Puntius spp. 1.82 Shol Channa striatus 3.64 Small marine shrimp Penaeus spp. 0.91 Small prawn 0.36

4.0 Environmental issues related to aquaculture 4.1 As in the other parts of the country, aquaculture in Dhaka City has been suffering from acute environmental pollution. The openwater ways have been used by people for dumping all kinds of waste produce by human. Disposal into water ways is a very ancient practice of dealing wastes (Klein, 1962). The rivers and streams of Bangladesh have been receiving untreated wastes from various sources. These include industrial effluents, domestic organic wastes (sewage), run-off containing toxic agrochemicals and oil and petroleum substances. The openwaters of Bangladesh are heavily polluted from these potential sources. The situations are far more critical in areas near cities and towns, particularly near Dhaka City. Many of the toxic chemical ingredients including heavy metals are reported to recirculate back and accumulate into human bodies through fish and other edible aquatic organisms. the residual effects of such chemicals are supposed to be damaging to human physiology in the long run. 4.2 Industrial effluents have been most vital source of water pollution around Dhaka City. The waterbodies, around the city, everyday receives a surprisingly high load of potential pollutants. The major industries are tanneries, paper and pulp mills, rayon mills, fertilizer factories, pharmaceuticals, jute mills, textile mills, sugar, dying factory, steel mills, rubber and plastic industries, chemical industries, fish processing industries, oil refineries, food industries, machine tools factories, soap factories etc. most of these industries do not have waste disposal and treatment plants and thus discharge untreated wastes and effluents which find their way directly or indirectly into water bodies. One can easily experience such industrial units releasing unquantifiable amounts of wastes making lives of surrounding people unhealthy in areas like Hazaribagh, Demra, Narayangonj, Adamji, Savar, Manikganj, Keranigonj, Tongi, Gazipur and some other areas. 4.3 The most potential threat to the waterbodies near Dhaka City are the tanneries. At present, there are >300 tanneries at Hazaribagh in Dhaka. About 16,000 m3 of harmful toxic effluents are disposed everyday from these tanneries. The major polluting chemicals form tanneries includes dissolved arsenic, sodium sulfide, lime, ammonium sulfate, sulfuric acid, dissolved and non-dissolved salts and solids, and heavy metals, particularly chromium. it is reported that chromium concentration in the Buriganga River has 60 times the tolerate level. The dissolved oxygen concentration has been so minimum that the water can no longer hold living organisms sustainably. All these are responsible for drastic loss of fisheries resources around Dhaka City.

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Table 6. Pollution (BOD5) load from industries in and around Dhaka City

Location No. of

industries Effluent (m3/day)

Pollution (BOD5 load, kg/day)

Hazaribagh Tannery Area 151 13,000 19,000 Tejgaon Industrial area 61 3,000 4,500 Dhaka-Narayangonj Industrial Belt

53 3,500 5,000

Tongi Industrial area 29 5,000 10,000 Shitalakhya Industrial Belt 30 5,500 9,000 Scatterd 4 1,000 1,500 Total 328 31,000 49,000

In Dhaka City, the pollution load of human excreta was estimated to be 250 ton/day in 1988, which has reached to about 490 ton/day in the year 2000. 5.0 General Discussions and Conclusions 5.1 The fish production systems, fish marketing and distribution and related activities in Bangladesh have undergone rapid changes during the last decade. A number of new trends in all aspects of fish culture, indigenous and export-import marketing of fish, consumption pattern, seasonality pattern, species composition in fish markets, dry fish production and marketing as well as in openwater fisheries in Bangladesh can easily be observed. Significant changes have also been observed in peoples innovation and perception on fish and fisheries. All these trends and changes are of vital importance to be considered for the development of fisheries. This section deals with the important trends observed during the study as well as with the major problem areas and probable suggestive measures. 5.2 The most important recent trend in fish marketing is the import of fish from different countries. Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Thai pangas (Pangasius suchi) are the main species imported from India, Thailand and Mayanmar respectively. Besides, some other fishes (e.g., Boal, Walago attu) including some small fishes (e.g., Koi, Anabas testudineus) are also imported and exported as well. Fish are imported both legally and illegally. About 40-50 tons of fish from different countries are imported daily by the wholesalers of the New Market only. This amount stands for more than one third of the total fish supply in this market. This picture is also true for some other large markets as well. The wholesalers informed that large-scale fish farms have been developed in India and Thailand based on Bangladesh as their major market. Imported fish are, therefore, key factor controlling fish markets in Dhaka City. 5.3 Another important trend can be observed in changing the modes of transportation. The traditional fish transportation systems were once boats, launches, trawlers and mechanized vessels and trains. Large-scale fish catchers from marine or inland openwaters used to transport the iced fish in trawlers or mechanized boats. Catches from small-scale fish catchers were collected by the local Aratdars and are transported by launches or trains. Fish from floodplains, beels and haors were transported by this mode. These traditional patterns have been replaced to a great extent by truck and bus due to the development of road transportation systems. The changes in the mode of transportation have increased the importance of some markets while decreasing others. For example, the Swari Ghat wholesale market, which was once the

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largest fish market in Dhaka city has lost its glory to a great extent, rather, Jatra Bari, Kawran Bazar and New Market have taken its place. 5.4 The supply of fish in the markets has been found to show a continued declining trend. Wholesalers from Thatari Bazar reported that total supply has declined by 40-50% as compared to the supply of past ten years. This decline can be attributed to the damage of natural production of openwater fishes. To some extent, losses in natural fish have been recovered by cultured fish. The supply of farmed fishes in the market has been increased 2-3 times that of past ten yeas. However, this increase in farm production cannot keep pace either with losses in openwater fish production or with increasing population of the city. Fish traders stated that the supply of fish is so insufficient that they never need to store fish. As a result, almost all fish market in Dhaka City lack any storage facility. 5.5 Interesting trends were observed in seasonally and species composition of fishes in the markets which also influence the price. In the late summer and monsoon, fish markets are dominated by farmed fishes and plenty of hilsa. Fish prices are usually high at that time. At the start of winter, plenty of indigenous openwater fishes particularly floodplain fishes increase the amount of fish in the market with consequent decrease in price. For the last few years, the supply of hilsa decreased tremendously, creating more pressure on farmed fishes. Interestingly, farmed pangus has been playing a vital role in filling the gap created by shortage hilsa. During the study, about 60-70% of the market was found to be occupied by farmed pangas, both indigenous and foreign. 5.6 An important trend observed in peri-urban aquaculture in Bangladesh is sewage-fed fish culture system practiced in some areas around Dhaka City, which, so far known, is new in Bangladesh. Public toilets are build up on large ponds by the owners or lease holders. Besides the private-owned legal fish farms, illegal fish cultures at the mouths of the sewage disposal systems of the city have also been reported recently. Major species include pangus along with carps and tilapia. Very high stocking densities are maintained with minimum inputs and management efforts. Ponds are always eutrophicated and blooms are common. Per unit production is fairly well. Although possesses considerable prospect in Bangladesh, fish culture with raw sewage should be critically attended from aesthetic and public health point of view. Cage and pen cultures in floodplains around Dhaka City are almost newly introduced and growing rapidly. These practices are important because fish produced in pens and cages are thought to play roles in lowering the overall prices of farmed fishes. 5.7 The fisheries sector is still unorganized and remain uncoordinated and the operational and marketing aspects are individual based beset with middlemen problem. The problems of middlemen and inadequate marketing opportunities have deprived the fish producers of their due share of economic benefits. Thus they belong to an economically and socially backward section. 5.8 The fishers share and marketing margins in fish sold in Dhaka were analyzed for freshwater fish like Hilsa (River shad), Ruhi (Carps) and Sin ghi (Heteropneustes fossiles) and the following were the results:

Fishermens share in consumer price 51-63% Middlemens share in consumer price 37-49% Expenses 12-24%

Net income after expenses 24-26% Share of collectors 14-35%

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Share of distributor 16-20% Share of retailer 5-10%

5.9 Marketing facilities of fish and fishery products in Dhaka City are still in a poor shape. The market is completely in the hand of traders and intermediaries, they hardly think of developing infrastructure facilities. In Dhaka City, private entrepreneurs have developed certain infrastructure facilities in the forms of space, shade, platform etc. but the system is yet to be developed for proper management, cleanliness and sanitation and upkeep of the facilities. 5.10 In Dhaka City, the facilities in the wholesale fish markets are generally inadequate for handling of highly perishable commodity like fish. The City Corporation operates most of the retail markets. Except for few cases, the condition of Dhaka City retail markets are also not satisfactory with regard to stall, parking, sanitation, water supply, drainage, cleanliness and management. BFDC runs a modern fish distribution and retail centre in Dhaka City with a half dozen of modern outlets and 50 mobile shops in the form of rickshaw vans, which sell fish from door to door. A few modern retail fish shops have also been established recently by private entrepreneurs in the city. 5.11 The level of exploitation of the fish producers and fishers by traders (intermediaries), cooperatives and associations is highly discrete, controversial and undesirable. The opportunities for exploitation of fishers by fish dealers, especially those who have extended loan facilities exists throughout the distribution chain for unfair dealings. The common occurrences observed in the landing and marketing places are under weighing, misquoting prices for the auction and wrong placement of the graded fish. Occurrence of such malpractice prevails in nearly all markets. Such exploitations are common in all stages of the distribution channel and appear to hinder the development of fish farming and fishing industries. 5.12 Fish Inspection and Quality Control Services of the DoF has the total responsibility for inspection and quality control of all fish and fish products meant for export as well as for sanitary and hygienic conditions in fish processing plants. However, it has no responsibility to oversee the fish quality in the city markets. The Dhaka City Corporation through its sanitary inspectors has the responsibility to assure the quality fish and food, hygienic management of markets but they seldom do so. Recently, various national dailies reported that sewage aquaculture products contains heavy metals which detrimental to health. 5.13 High quality dried fishes are also exported from Bangladesh to UK and some other European countries. However, dried fishes imported from different countries are reported to have poor quality. 5.14 An institutional framework is essential to upgrade the fish supply, storage and market management. Private entrepreneurs could be encouraged to invest in this lucrative business and nationally important sector.

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Annex 1

Table 4. Fish species available in wholesale and retail markets in Dhaka City with their prices

US$ per KG Local name Scientific name

Wholesale market

Retail market

African magur Clarias gariepinus 0.55-0.64 0.73-0.91 Air Mystus aor 1.27-1.64 1.45-2.36 Bacha Eutropichthys vacha 1.27-1.64 1.45-1.82 Baga-Air Bagarius bagarius 1.45-1.82 2.18-2.73 Bagda chingri Penaeus monodon 9.09-14.55 9.09-16.36 Baila Glossogobius guris 1.09-1.64 1.45-2.18 Baim Mastacembelus spp. 0.91-1.82 1.27-2.73 Bata Cirhinus reba 1.27-1.64 1.45-2.18 Bheda/Meni Nandus nandus 0.91-1.27 1.09-1.45 Bhetki Lates calcarifer 1.09-1.45 1.18-1.82 Boal Walago attu 1.09-1.82 1.27-1.82 Buguri Mystus sp. 0.64-0.82 1.09-1.45 Carpio Ciprinus carpio 1.27-1.45 1.64-1.82 Catla Catla catla 1.45-1.64 1.82-2.18 Chanda Chanda sp. 0.73-0.82 0.91-1.09 Chapila Gudusia chapra 1.09-1.36 1.27-1.45 Chela Salmostoma bacaila 0.73-0.82 1.09-1.27 Chewa (red) Trypauchen vagina 0.73-0.82 1.09-1.27 Chewa (white) Gabioides rubicundus 0.73-0.82 1.09-1.27 Chital Notopterus chitala 1.45-3.64 1.82-4.55 Dhela Rohtee cotio 0.91-1.27 1.27-1.64 Foli Notopterus notopterus 1.09-1.45 1.27-1.82 Gagora Arius sp. 0.64-0.91 0.82-1.09 Gang tengra Ganata viridescens 1.45-2.18 1.82-2.91 Gaura Clupisoma gaura 1.09-1.45 1.45-1.82 Gazar Channa marulius 0.91-1.27 1.09-1.45 Golda chingri Macrobrachium rosenbergii 3.64-14.55 5.45-18.18 Gonia Labeo gonius 1.45-1.82 1.64-2.36 Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella 0.73-0.82 0.91-1.09 Gutum Lepidocephalus guntea 1.09-1.27 1.27-1.45 Ilish Hilsa sp. 1.09-3.64 1.45-4.00 Kajali Ailia coila 1.27-1.64 1.45-1.82 Kakila Xenentedon cancila 0.91-1.09 1.00-1.27

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US$ per KG Local name Scientific name Wholesale market

Retail market

Kalibous Labeo calbasu 1.27-1.45 1.82-2.00 Kechki Corica soborna 0.91-1.27 1.27-1.82 Kholisa Colisa fasciatus 0.91-1.27 1.09-1.64 Koi Anabas testudineus 1.64-2.73 1.82-3.64 Lakhua Polynemus indicus 0.55-0.73 0.73-0.91 Local pangus Pangasius pangasius 2.18-3.64 2.55-4.55 Loitta Harpodon nehereus 0.55-0.73 0.73-1 Magur (local) Clarias batrachus 1.82-5.45 2.18-5.45 Maitta 0.64-0.82 0.73-1.09 Mola Amblypharyngodon mola 0.73-0.82 1.09-1.27 Mrigal Cirhinus mrigala 1.09-1.27 1.45-1.82 Pabda Ompok pabda 1.82-4.55 1.82-5.45 Poa (fresh water) Poma poma 0.82-1.00 0.91-1.27 Poa (marine ) Johnius argenteus 0.73-1.45 0.82-1.82 Punti (local) Puntius sp. 0.91-1.27 1.09-1.45 Ranga koi Lutiganus johnii 0.91-1.45 1.27-1.82 Rita Rita rita 0.73-0.91 0.91-1.27 Rui (imported) Labeo rohita 1.18-1.36 1.64-1.82 Rui (local) Labeo rohita 1.45-1.64 1.82-2.18 Rupchanda Pampus spp. 2.18-2.91 2.55-3.64 Samudra koi Lobotes surinamensis 1.09-1.82 1.27-2.18 Shing Heteropneustes fossilis 1.64-4.55 1.82-5.45 Shol Channa striatus 1.09-1.45 1.27-1.82 Silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix 0.64-0.73 0.91-1.09 Taki Channa punctatus 0.91-1.09 1.09-1.45 Tengra Mystus sp. 0.91-1.45 1.27-2.18 Thai pangus (imported) Pangasius suchi 1.36-1.45 1.64-2.18 Thai pangus (local) Pangasius suchi 1.27-1.36 1.45-2.18 Thai sarputi Puntius gonionotus 1.09-1.27 1.64-1.82 Topsay Polynemus paradiseus 1.09-1.45 1.27-1.82

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FAO/NACA. 1995. Regional Study and Workshop on the Environmental Assessment and Management of Aquaculture Development (TCP/RAS/2253). NACA Environment and Aquaculture Development Series No. 1. Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand.

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Karim, M. and Aftabuzzaman. 1995. Brackish and marine water aquaculture: Potential, constraints and management needs for sustainable development. Paper for presentation in the national seminar on fisheries resources development and management organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Government of Bangladesh in collaboration with FAO and ODA, 29 October 1 November, 1995, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 25pp.

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Rahman, A.K.A. 1997. Fish Marketing in Bangladesh : Status and Issue. P. 99-114 In Chu-fa-Tsai and M. Youssouf Ali (eds.) Openwater Fisheries of Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh